SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety Project NIO M O UN IM D R T IA
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United Nations Sydney Opera House Educational, Scientific and inscribed on the World Cultural Organization Heritage List in 2007 2 1 2 1 2 3 SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety Project
2 3 4 5 IN MEMORY OF Robert Leece AO RFD (1947 – 2015)
This book is dedicated to the memory of our colleague, mentor, philanthropist and friend Robert (Bob) Leece AO RFD, Sydney Opera House Trustee from 2002 to 2013 and Chair of the Trust’s Building Committee from 2002 to 2015.
The Opera House owes Bob a tremendous debt for his expert stewardship through many important developments. His passion, professionalism and perseverance were crucial to the significant achievements of the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project.
He presided over the Building Committee as the Opera House was inscribed on the State (2003), National (2005) and UNESCO World Heritage (2007) lists, which recognise the unique qualities of Jørn Utzon’s extraordinary landmark and help to ensure it will be appropriately protected and conserved.
Bob also played a key role in establishing the Eminent Architects Panel and in the publication of the Conservation Management Plan (3rd Edition), the Sydney Opera House Renewal Framework and Utzon’s Gold Book, as well as countless building improvement and major maintenance projects.
Bob was a true gentleman, whose wise guidance was always coupled with kindness and respect. He helped to ensure the Opera House is well positioned to remain one of the world’s greatest buildings and performing arts centres for generations to come. His friendship, leadership and generosity are greatly missed.
4 5 The Sydney Opera House’s Vehicle Access and The Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project Pedestrian Safety project was an extraordinarily relied on the vision, dedication and collaborative challenging and complex undertaking. However, spirit of a great many people, including Opera its successful completion has had a transformative House Trustees and Management past and impact. This book serves as both a visual history of present, and the members of our Eminent the project and a tribute to the many people who Architects Panel and Conservation Council. I made it possible. would particularly like to acknowledge former Trust Chairs Kim Williams and Joe Skrzynski; Originally conceived in 2001 as part of the Opera former Trustee and Building Committee Chair the House’s Strategic Building Plan, the project late Bob Leece; and former Director, Building Greg became a reality with the concept sketches and McTaggart. business case developed in 2009 and funding approval in 2010. Special mention must also go to architect Richard Johnson, who collaborated with Jørn Utzon in the The project significantly enhances visitor safety creation of the Utzon Design Principles and then and amenity by redirecting about 1,000 weekly the Strategic Building Plan, which emphasised the heavy-vehicle movements – deliveries of theatre need to return the Forecourt to the public. equipment and scenery or restaurant and catering Louise Herron AM supplies, as well as other management operations Detailed designs for the project were developed by SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – from the Forecourt to a new underground a range of consultants, including architects Scott CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER loading dock. Carver and engineers Arup.
The project was a necessary precursor for the We are, of course, greatly indebted to all of the removal of all vehicles from the Forecourt from consultants and contractors who worked on the late 2016. Pedestrians now have safe and exclusive project, and to our staff, resident companies and use of this magnificent space, as Opera House business partners, who delivered the highest architect Jørn Utzon intended. standards of performance and visitor experience throughout construction. It was also a key enabling project for more than $270 million worth of Building Renewal projects Finally, I would also like to thank our greatest now under way to ensure the Opera House partner, the NSW Government, for its generous continues to meet the needs and expectations of funding of this project and the Stage 1 Renewal 21st-century artists, audience and visitors. projects now under way.
This book is a wonderful testament to what can be achieved as we work together to renew the Opera House and preserve its standing as one of the world’s greatest modern buildings and performing arts centres.
6 7 Imagine excavating a five-storey building underneath a fully functioning, World Heritage-listed architectural icon, which also happens to be one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres and tourism destinations.
That was our mission for the Vehicle Access and Construction was completed without affecting Pedestrian Safety project. a single performance in our theatres, while our restaurants and guided tours remained open and The project concept, which comprised an we welcomed more than eight million visitors to underground loading dock and upgrade of the the Opera House every year. Forecourt to a pedestrian precinct, was proposed in the Strategic Building Plan developed and This project has been a highlight of my career in Greg McTaggart PSM endorsed by the building’s original architect, engineering and one of the greatest challenges. It SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Jørn Utzon. is a privilege to have been involved and I am proud DIRECTOR, BUILDING (2008 –2016) of the legacy we created for future generations This incredible achievement is thanks to the hard to enjoy. work and dedication of a truly dedicated and highly skilled cross-disciplinary team.
I am grateful to everyone involved in the project for their knowledge, teamwork, patience and cooperation. We relied on each other’s expertise, collaborating to solve many structural and logistical challenges.
6 7 Timeline
Bennelong Drain The Beginning Diversion Loading Dock Construction
2001 2010 2011 2012
• The concept of an underground JUNE JANUARY JANUARY loading dock was conceived • NSW Premier The Hon. Kristina • Appointment of construction • Forecourt and Vehicle Concourse as part of the Opera House’s Keneally announced the group Seymour Whyte to carry handed over to John Holland Strategic Building Plan and $152 million Vehicle Access and out Bennelong Drain diversion and developed by Opera House Pedestrian Safety project on other enabling works MARCH architect Jørn Utzon in 6 June • Site offices established on the collaboration with architect FEBRUARY Forecourt Richard Johnson AUGUST • Final Forecourt performance • Surface works commenced across 2009 • DA for Bennelong Drain diversion before the project commenced – the Forecourt on public exhibition Sting with the Sydney Symphony • Concept design for planning Orchestra approval MAY • Diversion commenced • Stakeholder briefings • Demolition commenced to expose • Business Case for capital tie beams under the Vehicle funding submitted to the NSW AUGUST Concourse roadway for the Government • Tender for Main Package construction of reinforcing beams • Development Application (DA) contractor commenced for Bennelong Drain diversion JUNE submitted SEPTEMBER • Two road header machines • Bennelong Drain diversion commenced tunnelling beneath connected to original stormwater the Opera House on two fronts culvert OCTOBER DECEMBER • Majority of Vehicle Concourse • Appointment of Main Package reopened to general public contractor John Holland • Diversion completed 8 9 The Opening
2013 2014 2015 2016
JUNE APRIL MAY • Underground loading dock fully • Road headers break through from • Precast granite finishes installed • Vehicle Concourse and operational, redirecting about Forecourt entry tunnel to main in the vehicle entry portal East Forecourt restored 1,000 weekly heavy-vehicle underground excavation area to normal use movements from the Forecourt DECEMBER OCTOBER • Forecourt paving completed and SEPTEMBER • Forecourt temporarily reopened area reopened to the general • Underground loading dock for the Opera House’s 40th public handed over by the contractor anniversary celebrations • Internal loading dock fitout commenced DECEMBER NOVEMBER • Deliveries to new loading dock • Forecourt paving commenced commenced
DECEMBER • Truck turning bay roof slab poured
8 9 “OUR SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE IS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISED BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD AND THE UPGRADE IS ABOUT SECURING ITS LONG-TERM FUTURE.”
“IT IS UNQUESTIONABLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BUILDING OF THE 20TH CENTURY – AND WE ARE GOING TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.”
NSW Premier The Hon. Kristina Keneally announcement, 6 June, 2010
10 11 Past – 2010 Before the underground loading dock was built, visitors arriving at the Opera House on foot shared the Forecourt with more than 1,000 heavy-vehicle movements a week. This not only diminished the experience for tens of thousands of visitors every day, but also posed a safety risk.
In 2010, the NSW Government announced its support for the Opera House to embark on a complex engineering project, known as the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project. Conceived in 2001 as part of the Opera House’s Strategic Building Plan, it was the largest construction project undertaken since the Opera House opened in 1973.
The aim was to divert vehicle traffic to a new tunnel and underground loading dock, turning the Forecourt into a pedestrian plaza for the general public – as Opera House architect Jørn Utzon originally intended.
This book tells a visual story of the complex design, engineering and logistical challenges in constructing an underground loading dock beneath a UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece that is also one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.
10 11 2009
Vehicle movement on the Forecourt and Broadwalks before the project.
12 13 VEHICLE MOVEMENT
ROADWAY LEVELLING UNDERGROUND LOADING DOCK
BENNELONG DRAIN DIVERSION
ENTRY RAMP
VEHICLE MOVEMENT DIVERSION
EXISTING (PRE-2010) PROPOSED
Before the project, vehicles and pedestrians shared the forecourt. The project proposed diverting vehicles from the Forecourt to a new tunnel and underground loading dock.
12 13
VAPS Project : Option 1 - As Is Scenario VAPS Project : Option 2 - Full Implementation
SYDNEYOPERAHOUSE SYDNEYOPERAHOUSE K:\ENGSERV\DO_TEC-I\CAD 2004\00 Misc and Skectches\00 10 008 S01 RevA.dwg, 17/03/2010 09:08:11, Copyright Sydney Opera House Tr ust K:\ENGSERV\DO_TEC-I\CAD 2004\00 Misc and Skectches\00 10 008 S01 RevA.dwg, 17/03/2010 09:04:05, Copyright Sydney Opera House Tr ust 14 15 2011 To enable the loading dock excavation under the Forecourt, one of Sydney’s major historic stormwater channels needed to be diverted. Bennelong Stormwater Channel No 29, also known as the Bennelong Drain – had been carrying stormwater from the northern part of the city, across the Opera House site to Sydney Harbour since 1857. A new section of culvert was cut into the original drain, diverting the flow to the east of the Opera House.
14 15 16 17 16 17 FEBRUARY 2011
Sting’s performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the final Forecourt performance before the outdoor venue was temporarily closed for the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project.
18 19 18 19 20 21 Sensors were used to track movement in the sandstone, providing live alerts to structural and tunnelling engineers at Arup.
The sandstone bedrock was incredibly stable, moving no more than 12 mm during excavation and tunnelling.
FEBRUARY 2011
20 21 FEBRUARY 2011
A cofferdam held out sea water during construction of the Bennelong Drain diversion.
22 23 MARCH 2011
An archaeological inspection of the dry sandstone remains of the c. 1850s sea wall.
22 23 24 25 MARCH 2011
Original granite cobblestones (c. 1988) were removed in preparation for excavating the Forecourt.
24 25 26 27 During construction between February 2011 and December 2015, about 39 million people visited the Opera House.
Almost 10,000 performances were attended by more than seven million people. Not a single performance was disrupted or cancelled.
Many events shared the Forecourt with the construction works, including triathlons and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
26 27 MAY 2011
The Bennelong Drain diversion – a new section of stormwater culvert branching off the existing culvert towards a new outlet in the eastern seawall.
28 29 28 29 30 31 As part of the Opera House’s Housemates social media campaign, fans were invited to submit photos to feature in artwork covering the construction hoardings.
This campaign attracted more than 31,000 submissions. Many of the pictures were printed on the hoardings, alongside photos of Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, all of whom had recently appeared at the Opera House.
MAY 2011
30 31 32 33 AUGUST 2011
32 33 AUGUST 2011
The Bennelong Drain diversion leads to a new outlet in the sea wall at Farm Cove, near the entrance to the Royal Botanic Garden.
34 35 SEPTEMBER 2011
The original Bennelong Drain, an egg-shaped brick stormwater drain (c. 1850s) was exposed to enable the connection of the Bennelong Drain diversion. Much of the original drain remains in use.
34 35 36 37 Once the Bennelong Drain was diverted, all efforts were focused on preparing for the main package of works – excavation of the vehicle ramp and underground loading dock.
36 37 38 39 2012 – 2015 During this stage of the project, a 2240 square metre the infrastructure for management of waste, including underground dock was constructed beneath the enhanced provisions for recycling. Opera House to provide safe and efficient access for trucks servicing the theatres above. The task was complex. A multi-staged construction program addressed the many structural, logistical A new vehicle access ramp was constructed on the and operational challenges that lay ahead. To southern side of the Forecourt to provide heavy- accommodate theatre rehearsal and performance vehicle access from Macquarie Street to the Opera schedules, noisy construction work was limited House. The existing Forecourt roadway was raised, to overnight and early morning hours. Every removing the kerbs and eliminating a significant moment was used and every space shared. As pedestrian trip hazard. The existing gatehouse musicians, ballerinas and opera singers finished their was replaced with a new design, with improved performances each evening, construction workers functionality and reduced visual intrusion on the arrived to continue excavation. approach to the Opera House. People from across the Opera House collaborated Three new lifts were built, including a 9 metre long with designers, engineers and building contractors to by 3.5 metre wide scenery platform lift connecting minimise the visual, acoustic and operational impacts to the Joan Sutherland Theatre Scenery Dock, and a and ensure the daily program of performances duplicate goods lift for the Concert Hall and Studio. continued without disruption. Two existing lift shafts were extended a further 8 metres down to the new loading dock. These works Excavation was approached on two fronts connected directly into the backstage space of three simultaneously, from the south and east, accelerating working theatres. the pace of construction. The two parts would later meet in a break-through ceremony in June 2013. A new waste management facility was included in the new loading dock space, enabling this facility to be removed from scenery storage spaces and improving
38 39 40 41 MARCH 2012
Multi-storey site offices established on the Forecourt.
40 41 42 43 APRIL 2012
A precast slab formed a new roof over the pedestrian tunnel to the Sydney Opera House carpark.
42 43 44 45 In preparation for excavation under the Vehicle Concourse, the original tie beams – which structurally tie the Monumental Steps to the main building – needed to be reinforced.
This was the first time the tie beams had been exposed since the original construction.
The road surface was cut away to reveal the tie beams, which were then supported by three new cross beams, each measuring nearly two metres deep.
This enabled the sandstone bedrock to be removed without the tie beams sagging under their own weight.
MAY 2012
44 45 JUNE 2012
Two road header machines delivered to begin major excavation works on two fronts.
46 47 46 47 JUNE 2012
The first concrete pour in the Vehicle Concourse, covering some 3000 square metres, required hundreds of concrete mixer loads. Once the pour began, there could be no stopping or turning back.
48 49 48 49 50 51 JULY 2012
A pedestrian bridge was erected to maintain public access from the Forecourt to the Royal Botanic Garden, while construction continued underneath.
50 51 52 53 JULY 2012
An acoustic shed constructed over the open-cut entry ramp on the Forecourt shielded neighbouring residents from noisy works during the overnight shift.
52 53 54 55 AUGUST 2012
The two road headers ground through 45,000 cubic metres of sandstone for what was to become the main loading dock.
54 55 56 57 In keeping with tradition, a road header naming ceremony was held.
The machines were named Dame Joan Sutherland and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – in honour of two of the most esteemed opera singers who performed at the Opera House.
AUGUST 2012
56 57 SEPTEMBER 2012
58 59 SEPTEMBER 2012
Saint Barbara, the patron saint of tunnellers and miners.
58 59 60 61 60 61 62 63 62 63 Truck turning bay Entry ramp
NOVEMBER 2012
64 65 Southwest egress tunnel Entry ramp
FEBRUARY 2013
64 65 MAY 2013
Members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performed for workers in the construction zone, in recognition of the hard work they undertook to improve the orchestra’s home. The piece – the Allegro from Handel’s Water Music – was also played to construction workers in the Concert Hall in 1972.
66 67 66 67 JUNE 2013
The breakthrough between the mined tunnel and the main dock.
68 69 68 69 70 71 45,000 cubic metres of sandstone were removed from under the Sydney Opera House.
At its deepest point, the excavation reached 15 metres below the Forecourt, 13.5 metres below sea level.
AUGUST 2013
The truck turning bay during excavation.
70 71 72 73 The design of the cross tunnel was proposed by John Holland to increase efficiency during construction. This proved valuable operationally and was formally incorporated into the design.
72 73 74 75 Repaving the Forecourt required about The ‘sienna brown’ granite was sourced 572,000 granite cobblestones to pave the from the original quarry in South 6,000 square metre space. Australia. The quarry had been closed, but was reopened for this project.
The original fan-shaped design from 1988 was About 2,030 tonnes of granite were quarried replicated, while a smoother finish to the cobblestones to create the cobblestones. improved the area for pedestrians.
74 75 76 77 OCTOBER 2013
A 400 square metre mural "Triumph of the Gum" by Australian artist Reg Mombassa welcomed visitors attending the Opera House’s 40th anniversary celebrations, including His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
76 77 78 79 SEPTEMBER 2013
Preparation of the handover of part of the Forecourt for the Opera House’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.
78 79 OCTOBER 2013
The first part of the Forecourt was returned to the Opera House for public use. The Opera House’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, attended by Jan Utzon, reflected on the history of the Opera House and ushered in a decade of renewal.
80 81 80 81 82 83 To prevent hydrostatic uplift from in-ground water pressure, the loading dock floor included an 800mm thick slab with 90 piles anchoring it an additional 11 metres into the sandstone bedrock.
OCTOBER 2013
82 83 DECEMBER 2013
84 85 DECEMBER 2013
84 85 DECEMBER 2013
86 87 86 87 88 89 APRIL 2014
The precast granite slabs lining the entry portal were designed to match the original slabs used in the podium.
88 89 JUNE 2014
90 91 JULY 2014
90 91 92 93 DECEMBER 2014
The Forecourt was returned to general public use, while construction and fitout of the new dock continued.
92 93 2015
Works continued towards practical completion.
94 95 94 95 96 97 2016
Completion of the project delivered many significant benefits. Performing arts companies can efficiently deliver and bump in shipping containers of equipment and scenery directly into the Opera House, eliminating extra offloading and double handling. The new waste management facility allowed this function to be removed from Central Passage.
Visitors can now walk freely across the Forecourt, with safe and exclusive use of this magnificent space, as Opera House architect Jørn Utzon intended.
However, the changes are dramatic only for those involved behind-the-scenes. All visitors see is a beautiful open Forecourt, unaware of the depth, complexity and magic of what lies beneath.
96 97 JOAN SUTHERLAND THEATRE FOOTPRINT OF THE NEW LOADING DOCK & ENTRY PORTAL
EXISTING UNDERGROUND CARPARK
FORECOURT
CONCERT HALL TO MACQUARIE STREET
ENTRY RAMP
GATEHOUSE
98 99 GOODS LIFTS TO SCENERY LIFT TO CONCERT HALL JOAN SUTHERLAND THEATRE
CROSS TUNNEL
MAIN DOCK TRUCK TURNING BAY
LOADING DOCK OFFICE
RAMP TO MACQUARIE STREET
98 99 100 101 100 101 102 103 102 103 104 105 104 105 106 107 106 107 108 109 108 109 110 111 110 111 Sydney Opera House Trust Sydney Opera House Team Key Consultants and Contractors
Sydney Opera House Trust Chair Conservation Council Chief Executive Officer Architect (DA Active Steel Kim Williams AM Jonathan Bielski Richard Evans documentation) Advance Building Approvals (1 January 2005 – 4 October 2013) Kya Blondin (30 January 2008 – 24 February 2012) Johnson Pilton Walker Allstaff Airconditioning John Symond AM Sarah Jane Brazil Jonathan Bielski (acting) Arup (5 October 2013 – 31 December 2014) Arthur Bridge AM (25 February 2012 – 5 August 2012) Architect Ausreo The Hon. Helen Coonan (acting) Sheridan Burke Louise Herron AM (Detailed design & Australian Structural Steel (1 January 2015 – 21 July 2015) Ian Cashen (6 August 2012 – Present) documentation) Bellingham Nicholas Moore Giovani Cirillo Scott Carver Byrnes & Associates (22 July 2015 – Present) The Hon Helen Coonan Cemac Doors and Direct Richard Evans Project Senior Executive Site Engineers Architectural Advisor Hardware Building and Heritage Committee Chair Louise Herron AM Greg McTaggart PSM Deidre O’Neill, Arup Jan Utzon CPM Consulting Services Robert Leece AO RFD Elizabeth Kinkade Mike Cook, Arup Douglas Partners (12 August 2002 – 21 March 2015) Tanya Koeneman Manager Projects Group Nick Sokol, Arup Heritage Architect Eire Midland Constructions Robert Wannan OAM, Co Chair Hugo Leschen Paul Shumack Alan Croker, Design 5 Favetti Bricklaying (23 March 2015 – 31 December 2015) Rajeev Maini Contracts Manager Architects Fernandes Constructions Christopher Knoblanche AM, Co Chair Peter Mason AM Strategic Advisor Brian Murphy GML Heritage (23 March 2015 – 7 March 2018) Greg McTaggart PSM Colin Ging AM Warren Paris Structural and FIP Electrical Peter Mould Geotechnical Engineers Hard & Forester Eminent Architects Panel John Nutt AM Project Director Contracts Administrator Arup Icon Ceilings Kerry Clare Jason Perica Malcolm Patterson Jenny Loughnan Jason Masters Governance Keith Cottier Peter Poulet Samantha Swain Contractor (Stage 1) Melocco Abbie Galvin Julia Pucci Project Completion Seymour Whyte Norman Disney & Young Ken Maher Jillian Segal AM Director Business Case Otis Elevator Company Peter Mould Maria Sykes Wayne Burgess Lisa Taylor Contractor (Stage 2) Patterson Building Group Peter Poulet (Chair) Robert Wannan OAM John Holland Peter J. Ellis & Associates Jan Utzon Evan Williams AM Project Managers Business Integration Piling Contractors Josephine Wing Christian Ulloa Yvonne Hockey Profloor Epoxy Systems Daniel Filetti Rider Levett Bucknall Greg Westwood Communications Officer Rutledge AV Jim Farrell (design phase) Alexandra Gray SA Precast Joseph Oh Micaela Einhorn Sam Technology Mark Levy Shani Moffat Sam The Paving Man Margo Kouvaris Simpson Building Group Nigel Head (design phase) Logistic Transition Manager SLR Consulting Semih Asaroglu Danny Cameron Steel Precision Group Steensen Varming Steve Watson & Partners We are greatly indebted to all of the consultants and contractors Sydneywide Cement who worked on the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project, Renderers VSL Australia and to Opera House staff, resident companies and business partners, Waco Kwikform who delivered the highest standards of performance and visitor Warren Smith & Partners experience throughout the project from 2009 to 2016. Wormald 112 113 112 113 Facts & Figures
Sydney Opera House is open At the time, it was the largest 14,000 cubic metres of concrete 363 days a year construction project undertaken was used in the Opera House’s history The Opera House is one of the world’s About 600,000 granite cobblestones busiest performing arts centres with About 1,000 heavy-vehicle were required to pave the Forecourt about 1,800 performances each year movements per week have been diverted from the Forecourt to 45,000 cubic metres of sandstone There are seven main performance a new underground loading dock were excavated spaces, including the Forecourt More than 39 million people visited The loading dock’s lowest point About 550,000 people take a paid the Opera House and almost 10,000 is 15 metres below the Forecourt tour of the building each year performances were held without level and 13.5 metres below sea level disruption during construction The Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project took five years 100 metres of tunnel was excavated to complete. to a depth of up to 15 metres using road headers
The Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project paved the way for a further $300 million worth of building renewal projects. These works will ensure the Opera House continues to meet the needs and expectations of 21st century artists, audiences and visitors.
114 115 Acknowledgments
DESIGNERS Andrew Kim Shireen Liversedge
TEXT EDITORS Angelique Dingle Brook Turner Caroline Grandjean-Thomsen Carolyn Stewart-Smith Hugh Lamberton Lisa Taylor Lauren Martin Melanie Wellington Sarah L. Clark
CONTRIBUTORS Alexandra Gray Andrew Kim Chris Linning Daniel Filetti Doug Southwell Greg McTaggart Greg Westwood Micaela Einhorn Yvonne Hockey
IMAGE CREDITS Brett Boardman Daniel Boud Doug Southwell Jack Atley Jamie Williams Jeremy Piper
© 2019 Sydney, NSW, Australia ISBN 978-0-6484828-1-9 Printed by Finsbury Green First published in 2019 114 115